Graham Norton was celebrating recently, after it was announced that Graham Norton (GN) Sauvignon Blanc was the fastest-growing major brand in the category in the UK in 2024, with sales up by 396%, year on year (YOY).
In 2024, a glass of GN wine was enjoyed every two seconds by British consumers. In Ireland, GN Wines is now a top-20 wine brand, with GN Sauvignon Blanc sales alone rising by 47%, YOY, in 2024.
Norton joined Invivo Wines’ co-founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in Marlborough, New Zealand, to experience the winemaking process first-hand. Norton rolled up his sleeves in the sunny Awatere Valley, getting hands-on with grape-picking, tasting juice samples, and assessing fruit quality with his long-term Invivo winemaker partners – an essential step in crafting the next (12th) vintage of his Sauvignon Blanc.
The long-standing partnership between Norton and Invivo Wines began in 2014, with a single New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and has since evolved into an internationally acclaimed wine-and-spirit portfolio, now including ten products and more than 300 accolades.
Today, GN Wines is a top-selling brand with commercial success in multiple markets, including the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, the USA and Japan.
“New Zealand produces some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc, in my opinion,” said Norton. “It’s incredible to think that what began as a small, limited-edition run of GN New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has grown into a global brand. Now here we are, harvesting grapes in Marlborough for our 12th vintage! I don’t just put my name to the wines – I’m involved in the process, which makes being here in this stunning region for harvest all the more special.”
The visit culminated in a winemakers’ lunch at Harvest Restaurant in Rapaura, where Norton, Lightbourne and Cameron were hosted by the mayor of Marlborough and local growers, to celebrate the region’s wine and food produce. Also in attendance was Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Guests dined on a seasonal menu featuring Mills Bay mussels, New Zealand king salmon, Pinoli pine nuts, and local Cranky Goat cheese. During the event, Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor presented Norton with the first-of-its-kind Grape Ambassador award, recognising his long-term advocacy for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and the brand’s global success.
“Graham has always been hands-on – he personally tastes, blends, and signs off on every vintage with us, to ensure his favourite wine is made to his exact taste preferences,” said Invivo co-founder and winemaker Cameron.
“To welcome him to our vineyard and experience the magic of Marlborough first-hand was a real highlight for all of us.”
